Space saving hat and purse storage device

ABSTRACT

A space saving hat and purse storage device for providing an improved method and apparatus for storing hats. One example of the storage device comprises a door connecting member for being positioned adjacent to the top portion of a door and an elongated member extending downward vertically from the door connecting member adjacent the first side of the door. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks, for hanging purses, extend from the elongated member, wherein each hook has a detachable, substantially soft rounded portion at its proximal end for hanging a hat. Secondary hooks extend from the elongated member for hanging scarves.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This claimed technology relates generally to a storage device and, more particularly, to a door mounted space saving hat and purse storage system.

BACKGROUND

Hat owners often struggle to find appropriate ways to store their hats. If stored improperly, a hat can easily contract inwardly due to its soft nature, thereby distorting the shape of the hat and decreasing its aesthetic quality. Thus, hat owners often utilize hat racks. However, the typical hat rack requires a large amount of floor or counter space, and can be unattractive.

In order to reduce the amount of space required for a hat rack, some hat racks have been adapted to fit over the top of a door. However, these hat racks are only suitable for storing hats. Many hat owners also require a location to store their purses and scarves. There currently exists no space saving hat rack that can store hats, purses and scarves.

The present space saving hat and purse storage device addresses these needs.

SUMMARY

The following is not in any way to limit, define or otherwise establish the scope of legal protection. In general terms, the present claimed technology relates to a space saving hat and purse storage device. One object is to provide an improved method and apparatus for storing hats. Further objects, embodiments, forms, benefits, aspects, features and advantages of the claimed technology may be obtained from the description, drawings and claims provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a space saving hat and purse storage device, shown on a door.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a space saving hat and purse storage device.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of the first embodiment of the space saving hat and purse storage device, as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a space saving hat and purse storage device, shown on a door.

FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a space saving hat and purse storage device, shown on a door.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a space saving hat and purse storage device, shown on a door.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the space saving hat and purse storage device, as shown in FIG. 1, shown engaging a hat, purse and scarf.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a space saving hat and purse storage device.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a space saving hat and purse storage device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention and presenting its currently understood best mode of operation, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, with such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of a space saving storage system 10 for storing hats, purses and scarves. The system 10 includes a door connecting member 20 for being positioned adjacent to the top portion of a door, the door connecting member 20 having an opening 25 extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the door connecting member 20 is an inverted L-shaped thin plate adapted to engage the top portion and first side of the door. The door connecting member 20 may be attached to the door with a screw, nail, adhesive or the like. The door connecting member 20 is typically made of a structural material, such as steel or aluminum, and is more typically between about 0.050 to 0.070 inches thick to fit between a vast majority of door tops and jambs. However, of course, the door connecting member 20 may be made of any convenient structural material and of any convenient thickness. An elongated member 30, having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, extends downward vertically from the door connecting member 20 adjacent the first side of the door. The length of the elongated member 30 is typically about ½ the length of the door, although the elongated member 30 may be longer or shorter. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 40 typically extend from the anterior surface of the elongated member 30, more typically spaced at periodic intervals. Each hook 40 has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 50 at its proximal end (i.e., the end not connected to the elongated member 30) for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 50 is a soft, spongy material such as foamed rubber, sponge, an open or closed cell elastomeric material, or the like. A plurality of secondary hooks 60, for engaging scarves, purses, or the like, typically extend from the elongated member 30 and are respectively positioned generally between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 40.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a first elongated member 130, having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, extends downward vertically adjacent the first side of the door from a generally U-shaped door connecting member 120, the door connecting member 120 having an opening 125 extending therethrough. The door connecting member 120 may be attached to the door with a screw, nail, adhesive, or the like. The door connecting member 120 is typically made of a structural material, such as steel, aluminum or the like, and is more typically between about 0.050 to 0.070 inches thick to fit between a vast majority of door tops and jambs. The length of the elongated member 130 is typically about ½ the length of the door, although the elongated member 130 may be longer or shorter. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 140 extend from the anterior surface of the elongated member 130, typically spaced at periodic intervals. Each hook 140 has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 150 at its proximal end (i.e., the end not connected to the elongated member 130) for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 150 is a soft, spongy material such as foamed rubber, sponge, an open or closed cell elastomeric material, or the like. A plurality of secondary hooks 160, such as for engaging scarves, purses, or the like, extend from the elongated member 130 and are respectively positioned generally between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 140. A second elongated member 130′, also having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, extends downward vertically from the generally U-shaped door connecting member 120 adjacent the second side of the door. The length of the elongated member 130′ is typically at least about ½ the length of the door. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 140′ extend from the anterior surface of the elongated member 130′ at periodic intervals, wherein each hook 140′ has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 150′ at its proximal end for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 150′ is an open or closed cell elastomeric material. A plurality of secondary hooks 160′, such as for engaging scarves, extend from the elongated member 130′ and are respectively positioned between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 140′.

In still another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, a first elongated member 230, having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, extends downward vertically adjacent the first side of the door from a generally L-shaped door connecting member 220, the door connecting member 220 having an opening 225 extending therethrough. The door connecting member 220 may be attached to the door with a screw, nail, adhesive, or the like. The door connecting member 220 is typically made of a structural material, such as steel or aluminum, and is more typically between about 0.050 to 0.070 inches thick to fit between a vast majority of door tops and jambs. The elongated member 230 splits into two elongated members 232,234 which extend further downward vertically adjacent the first side of the door typically about ½ the length of the door, although the elongated members 232,234 may be longer or shorter. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 240 extend from the anterior surface of the elongated members 232,234, typically spaced at periodic intervals. Each hook 240 has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 250 at its proximal end (i.e., the end not connected to the elongated members 232,234) for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 250 is a soft, spongy material such as foamed rubber, sponge, an open or closed cell elastomeric material, or the like. A plurality of secondary hooks 260, for engaging scarves, purses, or the like, extend from the elongated members 232,234 and are respectively positioned generally between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 240.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 6, a door connecting member 20 is placed over the top portion of a door, the door connecting member 20 having an opening 25. The door connecting member 20 may be attached to the door with a screw, nail, adhesive, or the like. The door connecting member 20 is typically made of a structural material, such as steel or aluminum, and is more typically between about 0.050 to 0.070 inches thick to fit between a vast majority of door tops and jambs. An elongated member 30 extends downward vertically from the door connecting member 20 adjacent the first side of the door. The length of the elongated member 30 is typically about ½ the length of the door, although the elongated member 30 may be longer or shorter. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 40 extend from the anterior surface of the elongated member 30, typically spaced at periodic intervals. Each hook 40 has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 50 at its proximal end (i.e., the end not connected to the elongated member 30) for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 50 is a soft, spongy material such as foamed rubber, sponge, an open or closed cell elastomeric material, or the like. A plurality of secondary hooks 60, for engaging scarves, purses, or the like, extend from the elongated member 30 and are respectively positioned generally between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 40. A hat is hung upon the rounded portion 50, a purse hung upon a generally U-shaped hook 40, and a scarf hung upon a secondary hook 60.

In still another embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the space saving storage system 310 includes an elongated member 330, having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, which extends downward vertically adjacent the first side of the door. The elongated member 330 has at least one opening 325 extending therethrough. The elongated member 330 may be attached to the door with a screw, nail, adhesive, or the like. The length of the elongated member 330 is typically about ½ the length of the door, although the elongated member 330 may be longer or shorter. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 340 extend from the anterior surface of the elongated member 330, typically spaced at periodic intervals. Each hook 340 has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 350 at its proximal end (i.e., the end not connected to the elongated member 330) for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 350 is a soft, spongy material such as foamed rubber, sponge, an open or closed cell elastomeric material, or the like. A plurality of secondary hooks 360, such as for engaging scarves, purses, or the like, extend from the elongated member 330 and are respectively positioned generally between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 340.

In still another embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, the space saving storage system 410 includes a ceiling connecting member 420 for being positioned adjacent to the ceiling of a room or closet, the ceiling connecting member 420 having an opening 425 extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the ceiling connecting member 420 is an inverted L-shaped thin plate adapted to engage the ceiling. The ceiling connecting member 420 may be attached to the ceiling with a screw, nail, adhesive or the like. The ceiling connecting member 420 is typically made of a structural material, such as steel or aluminum, and is more typically between about 0.050 to 0.070 inches thick. However, of course, the ceiling connecting member 420 may be made of any convenient structural material and of any convenient thickness. An elongated member 430, having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, extends downward vertically from the ceiling connecting member 420. The length of the elongated member 430 is typically about ½ the length of the distance from ceiling to floor, although the elongated member 430 may be longer or shorter. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 440 typically extend from the anterior surface of the elongated member 430, more typically spaced at periodic intervals. Each hook 440 has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 450 at its proximal end (i.e., the end not connected to the elongated member 430) for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 450 is a soft, spongy material such as foamed rubber, sponge, an open or closed cell elastomeric material, or the like. A plurality of secondary hooks 460, for engaging scarves, purses, or the like, typically extend from the elongated member 430 and are respectively positioned generally between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 440.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that the embodiments have been shown and described in the foregoing specification in satisfaction of the best mode and enablement requirements. It is understood that one of ordinary skill in the art could readily make a nigh-infinite number of insubstantial changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments and that it would be impractical to attempt to describe all such embodiment variations in the present specification. Accordingly, it is understood that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 

1. A space saving hat and purse storage device for being fastened to a door, the door having a top portion, a first side and a second side, the storage device comprising: a door connecting member for being positioned adjacent to the top portion of the door; an opening formed through the door connecting member; an elongated member extending downward vertically from the door connecting member adjacent the first side of the door, the elongated member having an anterior surface and a posterior surface; a plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks extending from the anterior surface of the elongated member, wherein each hook has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion at its proximal end for engaging a hat; and a plurality of secondary hooks extending from the elongated member and respectively positioned between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks.
 2. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the elongated member has an elongated member length, wherein the door has a door length, and wherein the elongated member length is at least about one-half the door length.
 3. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the detachable rounded portion is foamed rubber.
 4. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the door connecting member is an inverted L-shaped plate member and wherein the inverted L-shaped plated member is sized to simultaneously engage the top portion and first side of the door.
 5. The storage device of claim 4, wherein the door connecting member is made of steel and is between about 0.050 and about 0.070 inches thick.
 6. A method of hanging hats, purses or scarves, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one space saving hat and purse storage device, the storage device comprising: a door connecting member for being placed over the top portion of the door, the door connecting member having an opening; an elongated member extending downward vertically from the door connecting member on the first side of the door, the elongated member having an anterior surface; a plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks extending from the anterior surface of the elongated member at periodic intervals, wherein each hook has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion at its proximal end for hanging hats; and a plurality of scarf hooks extending from the elongated member and respectively positioned between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks; and b) placing the door connecting member over the top portion of a door; c) affixing the door connecting member to the door; and d) hanging a hat on one of the round knobs at the proximal end of the generally U-shaped hooks.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of: e) hanging a purse from one of the generally U-shaped hooks.
 6. The method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of: e) hanging a scarf from one of the scarf hooks.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the length of the elongated member is at least about one-half the length of the door.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the rounded portion is an open cell elastomeric material.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the door connecting member is an inverted L-shaped member, wherein the door connecting member engages the top portion and the first side of the door, and wherein a fastener extends through the opening and into the top portion of the door.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the door connecting member is between about 0.050 and about 0.070 inches thick.
 12. A space saving hat and purse storage device for being hung on a door, the door having a top portion, a first side and a second side, the storage device comprising: a door connecting member for engaging the top portion of the door, the door connecting member having an aperture formed therethrough; a first generally tubular elongated member extending from the door connecting member and engaging the first side of the door; a second generally tubular elongated member extending downward vertically from the door connecting member and engaging a side of the door; a plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks extending from the respective generally tubular elongated members, wherein each hook has a detachable, softened, rounded knob at its proximal end for hanging hats; and a plurality of secondary hooks extending from the generally tubular elongated members generally between each two pairs of generally U-shaped hooks.
 13. The storage device of claim 12, wherein the second generally tubular elongated member engages the second side of the door.
 14. The storage device of claim 12, wherein both the first and second generally tubular elongated members engage the first side of the door.
 15. The storage device of claim 12, wherein the elongated generally tubular members are at least about one-half the length of the door.
 16. The storage device of claim 12, wherein the rounded portion is an open or closed cell elastomeric material.
 17. The storage device of claim 12, wherein the door connecting member is an inverted U-shaped member adapted to be placed over the door.
 18. The storage device of claim 17, wherein the door connecting member is a steel plate between about 0.050 and about 0.070 inches thick.
 19. A space saving hat and purse storage device for being fastened to a wall, the storage device comprising: an elongated member extending adjacent a wall, the elongated member having an anterior surface and a posterior surface; at least one opening formed through the elongated member; a plurality of primary hooks extending from the anterior surface of the elongated member, wherein each primary hook has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion at its proximal end for engaging a hat; and a plurality of secondary hooks extending from the elongated member and respectively positioned between at least some of the plurality of primary hooks.
 20. The storage device of claim 19, wherein the elongated member has an elongated member length, wherein the wall has a wall length, and wherein the elongated member length is at least about one-half the wall length.
 21. The storage device of claim 19, wherein the detachable rounded portion is foamed rubber.
 22. A space saving hat and purse storage device for being fastened to a ceiling, the storage device comprising: a ceiling connecting member for being positioned adjacent to the ceiling; an opening formed through the ceiling connecting member; an elongated member extending downward vertically from the ceiling connecting member, the elongated member having an anterior surface and a posterior surface; a plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks extending from the anterior surface of the elongated member, wherein each hook has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion at its proximal end for engaging a hat; and a plurality of secondary hooks extending from the elongated member and respectively positioned between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks.
 23. The storage device of claim 22, wherein the elongated member has an elongated member length, wherein the ceiling has a height from the floor, and wherein the elongated member length is at least about one-half the ceiling height.
 24. The storage device of claim 22, wherein the detachable rounded portion is foamed rubber.
 25. The storage device of claim 22, wherein the ceiling connecting member is an inverted L-shaped plate member.
 26. The storage device of claim 22, wherein the ceiling connecting member is made of steel and is between about 0.050 and about 0.070 inches thick. 